Class of 2019: Rayaan Ahmed, Fridley

Rayaan AhmedAs the 2018-19 school year comes to an end, we’re sharing the college choice stories of several members of the Class of 2019!

In what grade did you come to MPA?
I came to MPA in ninth grade.

How did you come to choose the college that you did?
I chose The George Washington University, because they combine academics with service. By fostering leaders through their positive environment and providing students with world class internships. I know my love for politics and international affairs will only grow in D.C.

What are you most excited about as you embark on your college experience?
My university is located in a city unlike any other, and so I am able to gain a well-rounded education not just in a classroom setting. The whole city is the classroom; I emerge not just with a diploma, but with experiences that could only happen at GW. I am excited for the internship opportunities, visiting amazing museums, and the ability to take long walks in the National Mall.
Read More


2019 Athena Award Recipient

Eleanor Quam and her coachesCongratulations to MPA senior Ellie Quam for receiving the Athena Award for Mounds Park Academy! She was honored for her athletic achievements at the St. Paul Area Athena Awards ceremony at the Vadnais Heights Commons. Laura Bush, the executive director of USA Volleyball, was the guest speaker, and the Master of Ceremonies was Randy Shaver from KARE 11.

The award is named after Greek goddess Athena, known for her wisdom and skills, and thus the Athena Award honors female high school seniors for their athletic achievements. Dedication, confidence, achievement, and motivation are all taken into consideration when choosing a recipient. We are so proud of Ellie for representing MPA with all of these traits!


Did We Reach $4 million?

students prek-12 are excited for their new library!by Dr. Bill Hudson, Head of School

Yesterday was one of my favorite days of the school year thus far. Sam King, a sixth grader, was the head of school for the day. Sam helped our leadership team make an important decision, advocated for an extra jeans day for faculty and staff, and helped me select light fixtures for our new cafeteria. It’s safe to say it was a special day for Sam … and for me!

While I watched Sam soak in all of these new experiences, I was thinking about the very important milestone we had on the horizon for Together, We Dream: The Campaign for MPA. As you probably know, we set a very ambitious goal to make sure Sam and all of our MPA students, staff, and community members could enjoy a new library as soon as possible, in addition to the new commons, cafeteria, and kitchen they will find when they return to school in the fall. Read More


Preview The Live Auction!

Win the Orlando trip at the spring auctionOne of the most exciting parts of our Spring Auction fundraiser and community-building event is the exciting lineup of live auction items that have been generously donated by our community! Here is a sneak preview of just a few of the amazing items we’ll have up for bid next Saturday, May 11. Get your tickets or sponsorship secured today to be a part of this wonderful event to support MPA teachers and students!

Below are three of our eight exciting live auction packages including an Orlando Magic Vacation over MEA weekend donated by Michael and Lisa Vale, a trip to the American Music Awards ceremony donated by the MPA Board of Trustees, and a spring break trip to Puerta Vallarta donated by Bryce and Emily Binstadt! Read More


Lower School Family Social

lower school students hangin gout together at lower school entranceThe Lower School Family Social is coming up on May 24 at 3 PM! The MPA Parents Association Lower School Grape Reps will be hosting this gathering outside of the Lower School entrance (the South entrance). Come enjoy popsicles, sunshine, and the opportunity to mingle with other Lower School parents. The popsicles served will meet MPA’s allergy aware policy as well as be gluten free, dairy free and sugar free. We can’t wait to see you there!


MPA Triangular Track and Field Meet Results

Taevion at a track and field meetMPA Track and Field hosted SPA and Minnehaha at the Schilling Track on a partly sunny, cool afternoon. On the girls’ side, notable performances included eighth grader Zoe M. winning the 100m dash in 13.2 (all times are hand timed). Eighth grader Greta M. finished third in the 100m in 13.7. In the 200m, that same eighth grade duo finished in first and fourth, with Zoe winning in 27.8 (10th all time at MPA) and Greta fourth in 29.2. In the 400m, 12th grader Sofia Walker finished second in 1:05.8, in the 800m, sophomore Izzy Quam finished second in 2:35.3, and in the 1600m, Katie Dahiya finished second in 5:49.0. In the 100m hurdles, Senior Ellie Quam won in 18.3 seconds, and in the 300m hurdles, Ellie was second in 53.2 and eighth grader Emily B. was tied for fourth in 55.5. Read More


Panthers at Heidi Kunz Invitational

Ellie Quam doing the hurdlesMPA Track and Field athletes opened up the outdoor season strong on a beautiful day at Mahtomedi High School.

On the girls’ side, notable finishes included eighth grader Zoe M., who placed fifth in the 100m dash in her first ever varsity race. Her time of 13.40 places her fourth all time in MPA history in the girls 100m dash and is the fastest 100m dash by an MPA girl since 2002!  Zoe also added a seventh place finish in the 200m, just off the top 10 in a time of 28.27. Eighth grader Greta M. finished eighth in the 200m with a similarly impressive time of 28.35.

In the 400m, Greta M. ran to a fourth place finish, crossing the line in 1:03.56, sixth best all time in MPA history and the fastest since 2007! Senior Sofia Walker, making her track and field debut, finish seventh in the 400m, with a time of 1:05.43, just .12 seconds outside the 400m top 10 all time. In the 800m run, Sophomore Izzy Quam ran a strong debut of 2:40.32 to place third.  Read More


Explore Spring Auction Sponsorship Benefits

parents and faculty having fun together at the spring auctionIt’s not too late to get your tickets for this year’s Spring Auction, Once Upon a Time! Did you know that the Friends & Family and Host Sponsorship levels provide many additional benefits? Your gift includes two complimentary tickets to the event and access to our special pre-party, the ability to arrive early and reserve your seats, and special recognition for your family or business. The best part about your sponsorship is that it ensures tickets for our amazing faculty and staff to the event are free!

Learn more about the Spring Auction and how it supports MPA students at moundsparkacademy.org/springauction.


MPA Parents Association Is Seeking Volunteers!

PA puts on a wonderful party!The MPA Parents Association is seeking volunteers for the 2019-2020 school year! Please consider getting involved. It’s a great way to meet the school community, show our appreciation to faculty and staff, enrich our children’s school experience, all while making new friends. A willingness to help is the only experience needed!

If you are interested in taking on a Parents Association Board or Event Chair position for next year, let us know so we can can add your name to the list of candidates on the 2019-2020 ballot. Contact Kim Jakway at thejakways@gmail.com. Thank you!


CHICAGO: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION

PosterMake plans to attend the fabulous CHICAGO: HIGH SCHOOL EDITION this weekend!
April 25, 26, & 27, 7 PM
Nicholson Center

Ticket Prices:
$10 – Adults
$5 – Students/Seniors

Tickets may be purchased here or at the door.

In roaring twenties Chicago, chorine Roxie Hart murders a faithless lover and convinces her hapless husband, Amos, to take the rap…until he finds out he’s been duped and turns on Roxie. Convicted and sent to death row, Roxie and another “Merry Murderess,” Velma Kelly, vie for the spotlight and the headlines, ultimately joining forces in search of the “American Dream”: fame, fortune, and acquittal. (source: samuelfrench.com)

The show is most appropriate for ages 13 and older.

See photos from the show at moundsparkacademy.org/chicagophotos!